Language: Goblin

Goblin

Region(s): Everywhere
Race(s): Goblins, Hobgoblins, Bugbears

The goblin language, also known as Ghukliak, is the language spoken by goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears. It uses a simple version of the dwarven Dethek script.

Literature in Ghukliak is exceedingly rare, and as a result the language is neglected in academic circles. Instead, it is most often spoken by species which enslave or trade with Goblins. Some 'veneral' Bugbear poetry was reportedly found on a cave wall in Amn 1301 DR, but most scholars consider it a hoax. Despite its doubtable origins Bugbear poetry has since become a nickname for unsubtle love verses throughout the Sword Coast and beyond. A courtier in Cormyr was caught citing a particularly coarse verse to the object of his affection in 1307, indicating the phenomenon is spreading and not just restricted to the peasantry.

In most instances written Ghukliak is exceedingly terse and simple, owing partly to a limited vocabulary. It is also generally considered good form to be terse, demonstrating that no trickery is at play. Most curse words in Ghukliak are in some way related to being tricked.